Measurement Traceability of NIST Standard Rockwell Diamond Indenters

Published

January 1, 1998

Author(s)

Jun-Feng Song, Samuel R. Low III, Walter S. Liggett Jr, David J. Pitchure, Theodore V. Vorburger

Abstract

A metrology-based Rockwell hardness scale is established by a standard machine and a standard diamond indenter. Both must be established through force and dimensional metrology with acceptably small measurement uncertainties. In 1994, NIST developed a microform calibration system for the calibration of standard Rockwell diamond indenters. This was based on a stylus instrument using calibration and check standards, and NIST-developed calibration and uncertainty procedures. These calibrations are traceable to dimensional standards. Since 1995, about 100 indenters have been calibrated at NIST. These calibrations show high accuracy and long term reproducibility. One of these indenters was selected as the primary standard indenter for the establishment of the U.S. Rockwell hardness scales with metrological traceability, stability and reproducibility.

Proceedings Title

15th World Congress of International Measurement Confederation Proceedings

Conference Dates

December 23, 1998

Conference Location

Osaka

Conference Title

International Measurement Confederation

Pub Type

Conferences

Keywords

diamond intender, Rockwell hardness, traceability

Citation

Song, J. , Low, S. , Liggett, W. , Pitchure, D. and Vorburger, T. (1998), Measurement Traceability of NIST Standard Rockwell Diamond Indenters, 15th World Congress of International Measurement Confederation Proceedings, Osaka, -1 (Accessed October 12, 2025)